'A Legacy of Clarity and Consistency': Interim Insights From An Experienced Content Designer
14 May, 20251-2 minutes
In this blog, you will learn:
- How clarity helps to build trust within the interim market.
- How an interim Content Designer prepares for a new assignment.
- Where the latest interim jobs are and how to apply for them.
Clarity is essential in any sector, especially the interim market where professionals are expected to join an organisation, hit the ground running and make a positive difference to an existing team or project.
In our latest industry interview, we’ve been hearing from an interim Content Designer who shares their advice for ensuring that a great interim leader brings ‘clarity, calm and curiosity’.
From making an immediate impact in local government to contributing to greener travel, this interim professional gives us an in depth insight into their rewarding career path.
Can you tell me a bit about your current role?
I’m a contract Content Designer, embedded within the digital services team. My role involves improving the accessibility, clarity and usability of council services online. I work closely with service teams, user researchers and developers to ensure that the information we provide is easy to find, understand and act on.
Can you walk me through your career journey and how it led you to interim work?
I started in corporate communications and spent over 20 years in in-house and consultancy roles. Around five years ago, I shifted towards user-centred design and content strategy, wanting to have a greater impact on people's experiences when interacting with public services. Interim and contract roles offered a great way to gain experience across government and the wider public sector while doing work that aligned with my values.
What attracts you to interim work in the public sector specifically?
There’s something incredibly rewarding about helping to simplify complex services for people who need them. Interim roles offer the flexibility I need while allowing me to contribute meaningfully, particularly in local government, where the impact is immediate and close to home. Every council and government department is different, so there’s always something new to learn.
Tell us about your most recent interim role - what was your brief and what impact did you deliver?
I was brought in to support a digital transformation programme, improving online access to council services. I focused on transactional content design and mainstream content, so designing forms and rewriting and restructuring web content to make it clearer and more task-focused. I also supported teams with training and guidance on content design best practices. The work helped reduce unnecessary calls to the contact centre and improved user satisfaction with the website.
How do you typically approach your first 30 days in a new assignment?
I start by listening, understanding the organisation’s goals, the challenges teams face and where content fits into the bigger picture. I map key stakeholders, review existing content and start building relationships. Quick wins help build trust, but I also flag deeper content or structural issues early, so there’s a shared sense of priorities moving forward.
What’s your proudest career achievement so far?
One highlight was working with a sustainable bike and scooter share scheme. I joined during a period of rapid expansion and was tasked with improving how we communicated with users across digital touchpoints, from the app to customer support content.
I led the content design for clearer in-app messaging, redesigned help centre content and introduced a new tone of voice guidance aligned with the company's values. The changes significantly reduced user confusion and support tickets, helping people feel more confident using shared transport. Contributing to a product that supports greener travel while improving the everyday experience for thousands of riders was rewarding.
What's the most valuable lesson you’ve learnt in your career so far?
That clarity is an act of care. Whether you’re writing a web page or leading a project, taking the time to make things clearer for others builds trust, reduces stress and leads to better outcomes for everyone.
What’s one skill you’ve developed or refined through interim roles that you didn’t have in your earlier career?
Adaptability. In interim roles, you need to hit the ground running and deliver value quickly, while navigating new teams, systems and cultures. I’ve learned to ask the right questions, prioritise fast and build rapport with stakeholders early on.
What makes a great interim leader, in your view?
A great interim leader brings clarity, calm and curiosity. They listen well, communicate clearly and empower others to make decisions. They’re not just focused on delivery - they leave things better than they found them.
How do you balance short-term priorities with the long-term goals of a public organisation?
By connecting the work to the bigger picture. Even when delivering tactical fixes, I look for ways to build in sustainable practices, like training teams or creating reusable content patterns. It’s about leaving a legacy of clarity and consistency, not just ticking off a to-do list.
Interim jobs
If you’re searching for your next interim job, why not take a look at the latest vacancies, or simply upload your CV to be notified when a relevant position becomes available.
Interim recruitment services
As interim recruitment specialists, we support local authorities nationwide with their temporary and interim recruitment needs.
We operate across a number of specialisms including Health & Social Care, Nursing, IT and Corporate Functions.
If you’re struggling to fill a vacancy, why not get in touch with Lead Consultant, John Shorrock on 01772 954200 to see how we can help?
Share your experience
Every individual brings a unique set of experiences, thoughts and insights to the table. We believe in giving a voice to a community of professionals to inspire positive change and champion reform in the interim sector.
If you work in the interim sector and would like to share your own personal and professional experiences, we’d love to hear from you. Perhaps you have a different perspective, could offer a fresh angle, or want to challenge assumptions.
Simply reach out to our Head of Content, Nicole Sherwood, to discuss a collaboration which makes your voice count.
Who is Spencer Clarke Group?
Established in 2017, we’re an award winning and progressive recruitment agency based in the heart of the North West. Our reputation is built on trust, expertise and an unwavering commitment to exceed expectations.
In 2024, we were named Recruitment Agency of the Year at the prestigious Recruiter Awards, an accolade we are extremely proud of.
We operate in two sectors:
In eleven specialisms:
Healthcare, Social Care & Nursing
Corporate Functions & Business Support
